Asthma and Allergies | How-Tos | Questions | News | Classes | Ordering | About the Centre | Links Asthma and School Also in this Section: What is Asthma? Managing an Asthma Attack Working With Your Doctor Towards Asthma Control Care After a Hospital Stay Asthma and Children Under 3 Animal Allergies Smoking Molds Dust Mites Hay Fever Asthma Medicines Inhaled Steroids Asthma and Exercise Asthma and the Internet Asthma and Camp Asthma and Vacation The Peak Flow Meter Asthma Action Plan Asthma Diary Asthma Diary for Children Under 3 Questions? Contact us Asthma causes more missed school days than any other chronic illness. Children should not have to miss school because of asthma. Talking to the school about your child’s asthma is important to prevent problems at school. What asthma supplies should the school have? Your child’s Reliever medicine (blue inhaler). A copy of your child’s Asthma Action Plan. A written list of your child’s asthma triggers. Doctor’s name and phone number. Your contact information. An emergency contact person if you are not available. Parent Duties Each school may have their own rules about asthma and asthma medicines. Before the school year begins meet with your child’s teacher and principal to: talk about your child’s asthma explain your child’s Asthma Action Plan show how to properly use his or her medicine find out how the school will handle asthma problems Make sure that asthma medicine that goes to school is well labeled with your child’s name and amount to be given. Check to see if your child can keep their reliever medicine with them at all times. Ask about field trips that may affect your child’s asthma. With good planning, most trips may be safe. Ask your child’s teacher to tell you if your child is having asthma problems on the playground, in gym or the classroom. Tell the gym teacher if your child has a cold or has been having asthma problems. Meet with your child’s teacher to discuss avoiding asthma triggers in class such as animals, molds, dust and strong odors. Physical Activity at School Exercise is important for all children, especially children with asthma. Having asthma problems during activity means asthma is not controlled. It’s OK to take your reliever medicine 10–15 minutes before exercise once per day to prevent mild asthma symptoms (cough, wheeze, shortness of breath, or chest tightness). If needed, your child should be able to take Reliever medicine if needed even during a class. Speak to your Doctor, if your child needs the Reliever medicine for symptoms more than 3 times in a week. Asthma Allie Says: Work with the school to help your child control their asthma. Meet regularly with the teacher. Good communication with the school is important to help keep your child’s asthma under control. Let the school staff know your concerns. Be positive! School staff are there to help. Make sure Reliever medicine is available at school and monitor its use. When asthma is under good control, your child should not miss school. Control your asthma properly by making informed decisions. © 2004 The Children's Asthma Education Centre. No part of this document may be copied (either mechanically or electronically), altered or stored on any mechanical or electronic database without the prior written consent of The Children's Asthma Education Centre, a non-profit educational resource. This pamphlet is for information only and is not meant to replace physician advice.